10 Air Conditioning Myths That May Cost You More Money

Your air conditioner works hard to keep you cool, especially on hot days during the summer. Unfortunately, many people fall victim to many air conditioning myths, causing an unnecessary strain on their wallets. Let’s get to the bottom of these myths to help you make informed choices when running your air conditioner this summer in the U.S..

Myth 1: Your AC Unit’s Size Doesn’t Matter

One of the biggest misconceptions is that size doesn’t matter or it’s always best to choose the AC with the largest cooling capacity. The fact is a great big unit can’t properly remove humidity from the indoor air because it cycles on and off so rapidly. This short cycling, in turn, leads to increased energy costs.

Conversely, a small unit must work harder to cool a really big space, resulting in comfort problems, avoidable wear and tear and premature failure. For these reasons, you should always take into account your home’s square footage and other factors that impact the ideal AC unit size.

Myth 2: Cranking Down the Temperature Cools Your Home Faster

Surprisingly, setting your thermostat to an extremely low temperature doesn’t cool your home faster. Your AC works at the same speed no matter what and will reach each progressively lower temperature in the same amount of time, irrespective of how low you set the thermostat. There’s no advantage to selecting an unnecessarily low setting, which only causes higher energy bills and reduced comfort.

Myth 3: Raising the Temperature While You’re Away Costs More Than Keeping It Steady

The thinking that it’s cheaper to uphold a consistent temperature all day is a misconception. In reality, setting your thermostat 7-10 degrees higher when you’re not home for eight hours a day can save up to 10 percent on your cooling costs. This is because your AC doesn’t have to run so hard to maintain a warmer temperature. Modern programmable thermostats automate this process, adjusting the temperature after you leave and before you return home to maximize savings without giving up comfort.

Myth 4: Running the Ceiling Fans 24/7 Keeps the House Cooler

Ceiling fans give the perception you’re cooler, but they don’t truly bring down the temperature. Instead, they work by blowing air onto your skin, generating a wind chill effect. That is why even though ceiling fans cost very little to operate, leaving them running in empty rooms squanders energy. Use ceiling fans in occupied spaces to increase comfort, but keep in mind you should always turn them off when you leave.

Myth 5: It Doesn’t Matter Where You Install the Thermostat

Contrary to popular belief, the place you put the thermostat can substantially influence cooling efficiency. Putting it near heat sources such as windows, lamps and appliances can result in false readings, making your AC work harder than required. The ideal location for the thermostat is a central location away from direct light and heat. You might even consider zoning your home with a number of thermostats for the most comfort and energy savings.

Myth 6: It’s Acceptable to Only Change the Air Filter Once a Year

While some high-end media filters last up to a year, most common air filters need to be replaced every 30-90 days. Dirty filters reduce airflow, forcing your AC to work harder and use more power. Alternatively, regular filter changes lengthen the life of your unit and maintain efficiency.

Myth 7: Professional AC Maintenance Isn’t Important

Like any other home appliance, your air conditioner requires routine maintenance to promote optimal performance and longevity. Disregarding this can allow undetected issues, causing inopportune breakdowns, costly repairs and premature replacements.

Myth 8: You Should Run Your AC Until It Breaks Down for the Final Time

You may hear this advice about cars, but it does not hold true with air conditioners. About 10 years after installation, AC units often undergo a severe drop in energy efficiency. While routine maintenance and proactive repairs can extend your system’s life span, you shouldn’t wait for a total breakdown to consider air conditioning replacement. Planning an air conditioning installation is more convenient and lets you tap into the next generation of features and performance improvements.

Myth 9: It Doesn’t Matter What HVAC Contractor You Hire

Hiring a contractor without doing your research could be a high-priced mistake. Always check the contractor’s certifications, guarantees and reviews to confirm you’ve found a business with the experience and skills to provide trustworthy service.

Myth 10: Working with a Small Business Is Always Better

While being a patron of local small businesses is commendable, this doesn’t automatically mean they offer better} service. Larger, established companies often have more resources and a wide range of expertise to address your needs efficiently.

Contact Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing for Outstanding Air Conditioning Service in the U.S.

Now that you understand the importance of educating yourself and only employing a trusted HVAC professional, you can feel good about getting in touch with Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. We provide excellent HVAC services in the U.S. and surrounding neighborhoods. Our commitment to industry-leading customer service, unparalleled expertise and 24-hour availability help us stand out from the rest. Contact the team at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing today at 866-397-3787 to schedule our quality services, including AC replacement, repair, maintenance and more!